Courtyard Cafe - Lewes

A Sunny Saturday lunchtime ... and a pause was called here for a light lunch jacket potato and salad; and a coffee When I had been once before, I did have an espresso ... sadly on this occasion the machine was out of action. However, the food was good and fairly-priced; and the setting in the courtyard in the sun was perfection. Thank you. Drinking bowls for dogs provided in the courtyard as well.

My wife and I (and dog) have been walking the South Downs Way in both directions (in stages) and always stop at any venue that serves food on the route. The Courtyard Cafe is ideally situated near Southease village and railway station and makes a good stop prior to making the ascent from the river. We had tea and tea cakes a simple snack but very nice and excellent value served by efficient and friendly staff. Nearby Southease church is worth visiting, with its round tower and faded wall paintings.

We stopped for lunch after walking the South Downs Way from Alfriston. We needed something quick as we were catching a train. The staff kindly wrapped our falafel, mozzarella and roasted vegetable panini so that we could take them away. The filling was sparse (I think the ?1 falafel had been spread across the panini) and the bread was insufficiently grilled. There were a few small pieces of roasted vegetables. We both abandoned the sandwiches and had lunch when we got home. This could be such a lovely place to stop for lunch but I think the food offer needs to be improved.

Very disappointed after a 20k hike to be told at 11:30 on a sunny Saturday that the cafe was not offering food. Apparently they had a busy morning and no food was available, not even sandwiches or cake. Not helpful when you are walking and 10k from the next stop. Best we could get was a chocolate bar. Poor.

Although the cafe is open you will be turned away after 4pm if you are not staying. we had walked 12 miles and were looking forwards to tea and cake but received a very hostile reception from the manager who told us the yha covid risk assessment meant non residents were not to mix with residents after 4pm could we have a takeaway we asked? at which we were virtually shoved out the door and had it locked behind us. Extremely rude and most unwelcoming don't dare to turn up after 4 and expect a cup of tea in any form